LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — A 5-year-old girl who was swept into the Pacific Ocean by powerful surf earlier this week was found dead on Thursday after an extensive search off the Southern California coast, authorities said.
The child disappeared on Tuesday evening near Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach after a large wave pulled her, her mother and a sibling into the water amid hazardous ocean conditions, according to Laguna Beach Marine Safety and the U.S. Coast Guard. Bystanders rescued the mother and the other child, but the girl was carried away by strong currents and could not be located during the initial rescue effort.
Authorities launched a large-scale search involving lifeguards, harbor patrol officers and Coast Guard personnel. The operation continued for more than a day and covered a wide area of ocean before officials suspended active search efforts on Wednesday evening because of dangerous surf conditions and diminishing prospects of a rescue.
On Thursday morning, marine safety officials conducting an aerial survey spotted a body offshore near Christmas Cove, approximately a quarter-mile north of the location where the girl was last seen. Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel, assisted by the Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol, recovered the body. The Orange County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division later confirmed the identity of the child and notified her family, officials said.
The incident occurred during a period of unusually hazardous beach conditions along the Southern California coastline. The National Weather Service had issued warnings about strong rip currents and elevated surf generated by a powerful south swell, according to local officials and weather advisories. Rescue crews said rough seas and limited underwater visibility complicated recovery efforts.
Captain Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said earlier in the search that authorities had deployed multiple resources in an effort to locate the child.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the child's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Crecy said in a statement released by the Coast Guard. “Suspending a search is an extremely difficult decision.”
Local officials also urged beachgoers to heed warnings about surf conditions and ocean hazards. Laguna Beach Marine Safety officials said strong currents can rapidly pull swimmers and pedestrians into deeper water during periods of heavy surf.
As of Friday, authorities said the recovery operation had concluded and the coroner's investigation remained ongoing. No additional details about the cause of death had been released.
